FAKRA Connector Types

FAKRA connectors are automotive-grade RF (Radio Frequency) connectors designed to provide secure, reliable, and high-frequency signal transmission in environments subject to vibration, temperature extremes, and mechanical stress.

Originally developed for the automotive industry, FAKRA (Fachkreis Automobil) connectors are now widely used in automotive, IoT, and wireless communication systems requiring robust RF performance.

What Is a FAKRA Connector?

FAKRA connectors are modified SMB (SubMiniature version B) RF connectors enclosed in a keyed, color-coded plastic housing. This housing provides:

• Mechanical stability
• Visual identification through standardized colors
• Physical keying to prevent mismating
• Improved vibration resistance and safety

FAKRA connectors are commonly used for GPS, LTE, AM/FM radio, satellite radio, Bluetooth, and vehicle camera systems

Key Features of FAKRA Connectors

Key Features of FAKRA Connectors

• Standardized Color Coding
   Each FAKRA connector type uses a specific color and mechanical key to prevent incorrect mating during installation.
• High Durability
  Designed for harsh automotive environments, FAKRA connectors operate reliably from −40°C to +105°C.
• High-Frequency Performance
  Supports RF frequencies up to 6.0 GHz, making FAKRA suitable for modern wireless technologies.
• Secure Locking Mechanism
  Push-on SMB interface combined with primary and secondary locking features ensures vibration-resistant connections.
• Single and Dual Configurations
  Available in both single FAKRA and FAKRA double (twin) formats for multi-channel RF applications.

FAKRA Connector Standard

FAKRA is a global automotive RF connector standard, defined under:

• USCAR
• ISO 20860

The standard specifies a plastic housing with 14 mechanically keyed, color-coded elements to eliminate incorrect mating.

The FAKRA standard specifications are:

FAKRA Connector Types & Coding System

FAKRA connectors use letter-coded housings (A–Z), each associated with:

• A specific color
• A unique mechanical key

This system ensures connectors can only mate with the correct counterpart.

Universal FAKRA Z (Water Blue)

• FAKRA Z (Water Blue) has no mechanical key
• Can mate with any FAKRA type
• Commonly used for:
  • Test environments
  • Lab prototypes
  • Non-critical applications

Because it allows mismating, FAKRA Z is not recommended for production automotive systems.

FAKRA Type F connectors are color-coded brown, corresponding to RAL 8011. This standard is consistently documented across multiple reputable references:

• The Rosenberger FAKRA Number Code chart lists Type F as brown (RAL 8011). Rosenberger Group
• The Mouser Electronics FAKRA Number Code document also specifies Type F with a brown color code. Mouser Electronics+1Rosenberger Group+1
• The element14 Community's comprehensive guide to FAKRA connectors confirms the brown color coding for Type F. element14 Community+1element14 Community+1

The brown color coding for Type F connectors is standardized under the USCAR and ISO 20860 specifications, ensuring consistency across manufacturers and applications. This coding helps prevent mismating and simplifies installation and maintenance in automotive RF and communication systems.

Gender and Mating

• FAKRA Plug (Male): Center pin, usually goes on the cable side.
• FAKRA Jack (Female): Center sleeve, usually on the device/housing.

Variants and Mounting Styles

FAKRA connectors come in various configurations, including:

• Straight or right-angle
• PCB mount or panel mount
• Cable mount (crimp or solder)
• Sealed or unsealed

FAKRA connector standard

The mechanical keying system in FAKRA connectors is a crucial feature designed to prevent mismating, ensure correct signal routing, and maintain safety—especially in complex automotive and RF environments where multiple similar-looking connectors are used.

Here’s a breakdown of how the mechanical keying in FAKRA connectors works:

1. Unique Plastic Housing with Keying Features

Each FAKRA connector is built around a standard SMB RF interface, but it's enclosed in a rectangular plastic housing that provides:

• Color coding (visual identification)
• Mechanical keying (physical differentiation)

The keying consists of protrusions (ridges) and notches (slots) on the outer housing that are unique for each FAKRA code (A through Z). These physical features prevent connectors with different key codes from mating.

2. Mating Compatibility is Code-Specific

• A FAKRA Plug (male) with code A (violet) can only mate with a FAKRA Jack (female) that has the same mechanical key and color (code A).
• Even if two connectors look similar in size and shape, if their keys don’t match, they won’t physically connect.
• This design eliminates human error during installation, particularly important in automotive manufacturing lines where speed and accuracy are critical.

3. FAKRA Z – The Universal Option

The exception is FAKRA Z (water blue), which has no keying. It can physically mate with any other FAKRA type. It’s typically used:

• In test environments
• For lab prototypes
• When a universal connection is acceptable

But Z-type connections sacrifice the safety of keying, so they’re not used in critical automotive systems.

4. Application Examples

• GPS (Code A, violet): Only connects to GPS modules
• Camera (Code H, orange): Only connects to camera inputs
• FM Radio (Code B, blue): Only plugs into FM antenna ports

This ensures that a GPS antenna isn’t accidentally plugged into an FM radio port, avoiding signal mismatches or system failure.

5. Locking and Retention

Once aligned correctly (keyed ridges match), the connectors snap together with an audible "click", indicating a secure connection. Most housings also include a locking tab or retention clip for vibration resistance.

Data Alliance offers a variety of FAKRA connectors and cables designed for RF applications, particularly in automotive, IoT, and wireless communication systems. Here's an overview of the types available:

Types of FAKRA Connectors Available at Data Alliance

1. FAKRA-Female to SMA-Female Cables
    These cables connect FAKRA female connectors to SMA female connectors, facilitating integration between automotive-grade RF systems and standard SMA-equipped devices. 
2. FAKRA-Female to RP-SMA-Female Cables
    Designed to connect FAKRA female connectors to RP-SMA female connectors, these cables are suitable for applications requiring reverse polarity SMA interfaces. 
3. FAKRA Type F Male to Female Extension Cable – 20 inches (52cm), LMR-100 Equivalent.      
    Data Alliance provides these cables in multiple lengths (e.g., 2-inch, 4-inch, 6-inch, 24-inch) to accommodate different installation requirements. 

Applications

• Automotive: Used in GPS systems, in-vehicle entertainment, keyless entry, parking sensors, and more. 
• IoT Devices: Ideal for devices requiring stable wireless connections in varying environmental conditions. 
• Telecommunications: Enhances signal reliability in various telecommunication equipment. 

For more detailed information and to explore their product offerings, you can visit Data Alliance's FAKRA Cables & Adapters page.

When NOT to Use FAKRA

FAKRA connectors may not be the best choice when:

• The application is non-automotive and does not require keyed or color-coded connections
• Space is limited and a smaller connector (SMA, SMB) is needed
• Cost is a priority and automotive-grade ruggedness isn’t required
• Frequent mating cycles are expected (FAKRA ≈ 100 cycles)
• Large, high-power coax (e.g., LMR-400 with N-Type connectors) is more appropriate

In these cases, standard RF connectors such as SMA, SMB, or N-Type may be a better fit.

Conclusions

For industries leaning heavily on IoT and automotive advancements, FAKRA connectors and cables seem to be the bridge leading to a more connected and efficient future.

The dynamic technological landscape has pushed the boundaries of wireless communication, resulting in more stringent requirements for connectors and cables. A remarkable entrant in this domain is FAKRA (Fachkreis Automobil), a German acronym that translates to "expert group for automotive." These cables have made a significant impact in the domain of wireless technologies, particularly in automobile and IoT applications.